sixonemale

When I replaced my radiator not that long ago I noticed my splash guard/shield was in poor condition and replaced it. Before replacement my former mechanic would remove just enough screws/bolts and bend back the portion of the old splash guard/shield that covered the oil filter and then removed and replaced it. I'm simply curious as whether members of this forum, Lexus dealerships and/or mechanics take the short cut like my former mechanic did to replace the oil filter or actually remove the entire splash guard/shield when changing the oil and oil filter. TIA

Bgw70

sixonemale

Thanks for the response and I do believe what you are doing is the "norm" or more common way that members and/or mechanics change the oil filter. I also agree the guard "may" wear out faster. I simply wanted to keep my guard in good condition but I'm sure it will be bent on the next oil/filter change unless I change the oil and filter myself and take a little more time to do it.

Jabberwock

I remove the three bolts from that portion under the filter and bend the flap (that was designed to be bent) out of the way to get to the oil filter. If changing oil every 5k miles at 250k miles the flap would be bent down and out of the way apprx 50 times. My guess is that the splash guard flap would easily bend down to access the oil filter at least 100 times with very little wear on the hinge point of the flap.

Having said that there is nothing wrong with taking 5 minutes extra to pull the splash guard off to access oil filter. Access might be a little easier with the splash guard removed and it would allow a visual inspection of more of the front underside of the engine and accessories. I may do that next time I change the oil just for a change of pace (being retired I am rarely rushed these days).

DshngDaryl

When I work on my engine, removing the entire shield is usually the most annoying part of the process. It's big and bulky and there are so many fasteners.

Also, I am usually excited about tackling the repair, but removing the shield does the opposite; so I guess it "un-motivates" me?